I had a dental appointment this afternoon. I’m the rare sort who likes my dental cleanings. My hygienist is like a tranquilizing swami, soothing and quiet, expecting nothing from me while I languish in a state of repose that barely allows me to follow the directions “open wide” and “turn your head to the left”.
The dentist, on the other hand, appears a bag of nerves as he roams the office hallways. He’s jumpy, like a cat on a hot tin roof, more so today in anticipation of his long holiday weekend, though he managed to maintain the huge white perfect smile that most dentists possess. He has some kind of gaming system in his back offices, he plays video games in between patients, to take the edge off — better than Valium I suppose. This information, imparted to me some time ago by one of the front office workers, affects my judgement of him only slightly because I hear he does great restorative work.
When the dentist gets into the procedure room to check my teeth (look at my x-rays, and give the hygienist the all clear to give me a toothbrush and send me on my way), his demeanor is more professional, more dentist-like, sans agitation, assured. I can’t help but beam with pride as he pronounces my teeth free from decay and my smile “perfection”.
This love of dental visits is pathetic I know. It is perhaps the only manifestation of psychological instability I’ve ever exhibited, and I’m sharing it with you. ;)
peace
I’m seeing mine on Wednesday. Both hygenist and dentist are great, but also expensive, since they reject most lame insurance policies (which are what I always seem to end up with). Cherish your smile — I wish I could relive and redo my childhood dental habits. Crowns suck. Thankfully my oldest daughter has zero cavities, and also gets a “perfect” on her biannual visits.
Enjoy your visit Rich.
I get my teeth cleaned at the dental school here about every three months. They need the practice. It’s not that great but at least my teeth remain healthy. I don’t love the visits that’s for sure.
My old family dentist always smelled like Old Spice. Made me gag.
I kind of like that smell.
Dental hygienists are the new sirens. The other day I was just lamenting that I have two months until my next appointment.
Love the title.
Thank you.
My dentist is alright, don’t think he plays video games in the back, he’s pretty old. The hygienist is always young, but there is a different one every few years. I always wonder why they don’t last long.
Hygenist tend to be working mothers so they work for awhile then take off to raise their kids.
Maybe not the only manifestation of psychological instability you’ve ever exhibited — remember that guy you dated from William and Mary?
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The question is why do you remember him?
You probably could have gotten a toothpaste endorsement deal out of this. Glad you didn’t sell out :)
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Yea, who needs a few extra ens of thousands of dollars anyway. ;0
manifestation of psychological instability? Takes a lot more, Cooper
There’s more where that came from
My dentist is big on using laser drills. Pretty nice.
When you’re smiling
When you’re smiling
The whole world smiles with you
That’s why it’s great to have nice teeth.
nice song
If you talk dirty, does that mean you have a potty mouth?
pretty mouch
I think “pathetic” is the wrong word here – “pathological” might be a better fit! Both my hygienist and dentist are lovely, kind people, as is everyone in the entire practice; there’s nothing else nice to say about getting dental work!
ChrisJ recently posted..Spitting Mad
Indeed my abnormal pathologies are many I’m sure.
I’m an anti-dentite. You know what they call someone who flunks out of med school? A dentist.
hahahahaha
Just kidding. I have perfect teeth if I do say so myself.
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